Opinions on Union Square Advisors

Union Square Advisors (USA) is regarded as a solid tech boutique with several notable strengths:

1. Deal Flow and Exposure:

   • USA has been improving its deal quality over the years, with a strong focus on sell-side mandates. Historically, they were more involved in capital raises and buy-side advisory, but the shift to sell-side mandates has enhanced their technical exposure.
   • They are particularly strong in the tech space, making it a great choice if you're interested in technology-focused investment banking.

2. Culture and Career Growth:

   • The firm is known for having a good culture, especially in its San Francisco office, which is often considered better than the typical banking culture in New York.
   • USA promotes from within, offering opportunities for a solid long-term career in investment banking.

3. Exits:

   • While not as competitive as top-tier firms like GS TMT or Qatalyst, USA still provides decent exit opportunities. Alumni have moved on to prestigious firms such as Point72 (top hedge fund), Permira (strong tech private equity), and CapitalG (Google's PE arm). There are also good lateral opportunities within banking.

4. Interviews and Compensation:

   • Interviews at USA are known to be some of the hardest and most technical, especially for those with a strong interest in tech.
   • Compensation is above street level, which is a notable advantage.

Overall, Union Square Advisors is a strong choice for those looking to specialize in tech investment banking, with good deal flow, a supportive culture, and respectable exit opportunities.

Sources: Reputation of Union Square Advisors, FT Partners, and RBC?, Negotiating Participation - Boutique SoCal Development shop, Top Tech Groups - SF, Union Square Advisor SA 2021